Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, communication, and trickery, was one of the twelve Olympian gods. He was known for his cunning and quick wit, as well as his ability to move swiftly between the mortal world and the realm of the gods.
But who were Hermes’ family members? Let’s take a closer look.
Parents
Hermes was the son of Zeus, king of the gods, and Maia, a nymph. According to some versions of Greek mythology, Maia was one of the Pleiades (a group of seven sisters who were daughters of Atlas and Pleione). However, in other versions, she was simply a mountain nymph.
Siblings
As one might expect from a member of such a large family as the Olympian gods, Hermes had many siblings. Among them were:
- Apollo – God of music and poetry
- Artemis – Goddess of hunting and childbirth
- Athena – Goddess of wisdom and war
- Dionysus – God of wine and celebrations
- Hephaestus – God of fire and metalworking
- Hercules (Heracles) – Demigod known for his strength and bravery
- Persephone – Queen of the Underworld (in some versions)
Children
Hermes had several children throughout his various affairs with mortal women. Some sources list up to thirty-nine children attributed to him! Here are just a few:
- Autolycus – Known for his thievery skills
- Pan – God of nature and shepherds (sometimes credited as being Hermes’ son)
- Priapus – God of fertility and gardens
Consorts
In addition to his children, Hermes was also known for his many romantic conquests. Some of his most famous consorts included:
- Aphrodite – Goddess of love and beauty
- Chione – A mortal princess known for her beauty
- Peitho – Goddess of persuasion and seduction
Conclusion
As we can see, Hermes was part of a large and complex family tree in Greek mythology. From his parents Zeus and Maia, to his many siblings, children, and romantic partners, he was connected to many other gods and mortals in the ancient Greek world. Understanding these relationships is crucial to understanding the role that Hermes played in mythology and society at large.